Our Team

Putting our skills and talents to work to help our clients succeed

Consistently Committed
Unparalleled Professionalism
Exceptional & Accomplished
Innovative

Together, we achieve remarkable results that transcend the boundaries of what is currently achievable and unlock the true potential of our clients’ visions. We approach every client relationship with a unique and invigorating perspective, with an energy that constantly inspires action. We are committed to teamwork, trust, and an open attitude. Furthermore, we embrace flexibility as a key to adapting, evolving, and delivering meaningful impact.

The Team Making It Happen

Lena Anderson

VP, Brand & Visibility

Brien Piotrowicz

VP, Client & Community Engagement

Stacy Edwards

VP, Operations & Client Services

Brian Lanza

Director of Learning Design

Denita Thomas

Senior Creative Director

Kyisha Paige

Creative Design Strategist

Beth Thielman

Content Strategist

Melissa Bell

Training Coordinator

Stephanie Klein

Associate Facilitator

Kamini Wood

Associate Facilitator

Katherine Gilliland

Associate Facilitator

Darren Peters

Workplace Mental Health & Leadership Coach
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Big Vision, Real Results.

Meet Our Founder and President

If you’re ready to lead with more intention, connection, and courage, Andora’s your guide. She helps leaders discover what’s possible (and then some).

Andora Hinton is the CEO of Willow North Growth Partners, a boutique leadership and training firm that helps executives and teams unlock their potential and achieve excellence. With over 26 years of experience in sales, coaching, and leadership development, she designs and delivers programs that transform communication, collaboration, and performance.

A certified practitioner in Emotional Intelligence (EQ-i 2.0), Workplace Conflict Mediation, and SLII®, Andora is known for her practical, behavior-based approach to lasting change. Recognized as a Top 100 Innovative Entrepreneur and Womelle Magazine’s Thought Leader of the Year (2024), she is also a Ken Blanchard Channel Partner.

Based in Chapel Hill, NC, Andora is passionate about meaningful conversations, continuous learning, and helping leaders grow from the inside out. Her mission is simple: to help leaders and teams unlock their potential and achieve excellence in both their professional and personal lives.

Achievement

Andora has a degree in Communication from The University of Alabama. She is a member of the National Association for Talent Development (ATD), National Association of Women Business Owners, Association of North Carolina Executives, a board member for the National Sales Network, a member of the Cary, NC Chamber and a Make-a-Wish Wish Granter.

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Lena Anderson

VP, Brand & Visibility

Making your message unforgettable.

Meet Our VP of Brand & Visibility

Lena knows how to turn a great idea into a magnetic message. From words to visuals, she makes sure what you stand for stands out.

Lena Anderson is the Vice President of Brand & Visibility at Willow North Growth Partners, where she leads the organization’s brand narrative, visibility strategy, and communications architecture.

With more than 13 years of experience in brand strategy and storytelling, Lena bridges the worlds of leadership development and brand experience — ensuring that Willow North’s message of transformation is not only taught, but felt at every touchpoint.

She has been instrumental in designing and executing initiatives that bring the organization’s mission to life, including Off The Record, Lead the Moment, and Willow North’s 10-Year Anniversary Campaign. Her leadership has strengthened how Willow North connects with corporate partners, empowers clients, and translates its learning philosophy into a cohesive, credible, and human brand presence.

Lena’s work reflects her belief that leadership and branding share the same foundation — clarity, connection, and consistency. Whether guiding thought leadership content, shaping visibility strategy, or designing the stories that define Willow North’s impact, she is committed to making transformation visible, actionable, and lasting.

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Brian Lanza

Director of Learning Design

Turning learning into aha moments.

Meet Our Director of Learning Design

Brian takes all the good stuff, your goals, your people, your reality, and designs learning that clicks, sticks, and actually changes behavior.

Over the past 13 years, Brian has worked in adult education, designing and developing training solutions for clients across a wide range of industries. His experience spans financial and accounting services, leadership and management consulting, human resources, information technology, hotel and restaurant services, and the U.S. government.

Brian serves as a learning consultant and trusted business partner – helping Willow North create learning solutions that are targeted, engaging, and impactful for our audiences.

Achievements

Recipient of The Learning Guild award for Best Business Process Solution in E-Learning

Creator and featured speaker with the Association for Talent Development (ATD) on “The Seven Fundamentals of Effective E-Learning”

Author of published article (TD Magazine) and featured speaker with ATD on “What L&D Can Learn from CrossFit”

Previous leader and board member with the Association for Talent Development – Research Triangle Area Chapter

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Brien Piotrowicz

VP, Client & Community Engagement

Your connector-in-chief.

Meet Our VP of Client & Community Engagement

If you’ve ever felt truly seen and supported—there’s a good chance Brien was behind it. He brings people together and keeps our community thriving.

Brien is a global growth executive specializing in Sales & Digital Marketing. Brien has over 20 years of experience in sales and over ten years of experience in digital marketing services. Brien has assisted organizations of all sizes and industries with organizational growth and business development strategy. As a versatile business growth strategist focusing on sales & digital marketing, Brien provides a unique and “out of the box” strategy.

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Stacy Edwards

VP, Operations & Client Services

The magic behind the scenes.

Meet Our VP of Operations & Client Services

Stacy’s the reason things feel smooth, thoughtful, and just right. She makes your experience easy so you can focus on the learning, not the logistics.

Stacy Edwards is always ready, providing the necessary support and resources for the Willow North team and our clients. Her unruffled demeanor, systematic approach, and thorough attention to detail allow us to deliver a highly professional service level to every client.

Stacy is a client systems strategist who helps streamline operations and scale sustainably. With a proven track record partnering with more than 60 entrepreneurs, Stacy is known for setting up program launches, process refinement, and branded client materials.

Prior to her current role, Stacy started her career as a technical designer for top fashion brands like Calvin Klein and Donna Karan, and later as an award-winning elementary school teacher.

Outside of work, she’s an avid whitewater kayaker, devoted hockey mom, and always on the hunt for the next great gluten-free food truck.

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Denita Thomas

Senior Creative Director

Design that speaks louder than words.

Meet Our Senior Creative Director

Denita turns strategy into visuals that spark emotion and tell a story, because leadership should look as powerful as it feels.

Denita is a seasoned graphic designer with a lifelong passion for creative expression and visual storytelling.

Over the years, Denita has worked with a wide range of clients, from non-profit organizations and authors to tech companies, wellness brands, and communication professionals. This diversity has shaped her ability to adapt to different industries and design challenges, whether it’s building visual identities from the ground up or crafting compelling marketing materials that connect and convert.

With a sharp eye for detail and a strategic mindset, she creates cohesive designs that do more than look good. They communicate clearly, evoke emotion, and leave a lasting impression. Denita believes effective design is rooted in understanding, which is why she prioritizes truly listening to clients. By collaborating closely, she ensures every project not only meets expectations but often exceeds them.

Design Philosophy:
Great design isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about impact! It should inspire, engage, and spark conversation.

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Kyisha Paige

Creative Design Strategist

Making content come to life.

Meet Our Creative Design Strategist

Whether it’s a workbook, a slide, or a killer visual, Kyisha makes sure it’s not just pretty—but purposeful.

Kyisha is a skilled graphic designer with over 10 years of experience creating impactful visual materials that elevate the learning experience. With a keen eye for design and a passion for purposeful creativity, Kyisha develops resources that engage and inspire—whether it’s a workbook, a slide deck, or a custom-built tool tailored to client needs. Her work combines artistry with strategy to ensure every design enhances understanding and connection. Kyisha holds a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

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Beth Thielman

Content Strategist

Words that work.

Meet Our Content Strategist

Beth finds just the right language to make things clear, relatable, and real. If it sounds like we’re talking to you, it’s because she made sure of it.

Beth is a skilled writer and editor with a strong foundation in content marketing and a commitment to continuous improvement. Since beginning her copywriting career in 2015, she has developed and refined thousands of pages of content for entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and marketing agencies.

Beth brings deep experience across a wide range of formats, including web pages, blog posts, emails, ebooks, and metadata, crafted to align with SEO best practices and support marketing performance goals. Known for her attention to detail and strategic approach to storytelling, she helps clients communicate clearly, effectively, and with purpose.

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Kamini Wood

Associate Facilitator

All heart, all insight.

Meet Our Associate Facilitator

Kamini creates space for deep reflection and real growth. Her calm energy helps you slow down, tune in, and lead with clarity.

Kamini Wood is a best selling author, and is hyper-focused and highly skilled in emotional intelligence and leadership development. She partners with executives, teams, and individuals to cultivate emotionally intelligent leaders who create inclusive, resilient, and high-performing workplaces.

Creator of the AuthenticMe™ method, Kamini helps professionals overcome Imposter Syndrome, manage stress, build emotional resilience, and lead with clarity and authenticity. Drawing from her analytical background and personal journey, she empowers clients to transform limiting patterns into opportunities for growth and conscious leadership.

Host of the RiseUp – Live Joy Your Way podcast, Kamini has been featured in NBC, HuffPost, Daily Mail, Authority Magazine, and more. Based in North Carolina, she’s a proud mom of five and enjoys hiking, pickleball, and quality time with her family.

Achievements

Kamini has been prominently featured in NBC, HuffPost, Daily Mail, Authority Magazine, Bustle, SheKnows, and VeryWell Mind, and has appeared as a guest expert on over 160 acclaimed podcasts.

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Katherine Gilliland

Associate Facilitator

Leading with purpose and presence.

Meet Our Associate Facilitator

Katherine brings warmth, wit, and wisdom into every room. You’ll leave her sessions feeling more confident, capable, and deeply connected to your “why.”

Katherine Gilliland is a Business and Executive Coach with over 17 years of experience in Change Management, Human Resources, and coaching. Her career has focused on improving business performance through individual growth, helping professionals remove barriers and achieve their best.

Katherine specializes in coaching individuals navigating transitions—whether stepping into a new role, joining a new organization, or seeking to expand their leadership impact. She draws on deep expertise in organizational change to help clients reduce the productivity dip that often accompanies transition, enabling them to thrive faster and more confidently.

Her background includes consulting roles at Accenture and The Structure Group, where she led large-scale change initiatives across multiple industries. She later built and led the HR function for a family-owned wholesale distributor, establishing core HR processes and strengthening executive communication.

Katherine holds a double major in English and Psychology from UNC-Chapel Hill, is a member of Phi Beta Kappa, and completed her coach training through North Carolina State University.

Achievements

  • Professional Certified Coach (PCC)
  • Certified to administer MBTI, DiSC and all Tilt 365 tools (True Tilt Profile, Tilt 365 Positive Influence Predictor, Team Tilt Profile)
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Darren Peters

Workplace Mental Health & Leadership Coach

Where leadership meets well-being.

Meet Our Mental Health & Leadership Coach

As an occupational therapist specializing in mental health, Darren brings a grounded, human-centered approach to growth. He helps leaders build resilience, lead with empathy, and create space for real, sustainable change—from the inside out.

Darren Peters is a board-certified mental health occupational therapist and wellness coach with experience across the UK and U.S. At Willow North Growth Partners, he supports clients in building resilience, purpose, and self-awareness amid life’s personal and professional challenges. His approach combines therapeutic insight with practical coaching to foster sustainable wellbeing. Darren is especially passionate about helping individuals navigate burnout, reconnect with their values, and thrive with clarity and confidence. He brings a calm, grounded presence to his work, creating a safe space for growth and reflection.

  1. “A balanced life isn’t about doing it all—it’s about doing what matters, with humility and Heart.”
  1. “Growth begins in connection—with ourselves, with others, and with the courage to show up as we are.”
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Dr. Kei Alegria Flores

Growth Partner

The data behind the development.

Meet Our Growth Partner

Kei is our go-to for making growth measurable. With a sharp focus on research, metrics, and behavioral assessments, she helps ensure your training doesn’t just feel good; it delivers real results you can see, track, and build on.

With a strong foundation in human behavior, implementation science, and data analytics, Kei specializes in translating evidence-based strategies into real-world impact. Kei designs and executes scalable solutions that drive adoption, engagement, and sustained growth across sectors including healthcare, HR, and tech and AI innovation.

Kei understands that behavior change isn’t one-size-fits-all. Context matters. By applying behavioral and implementation sciences, Kei helps tech-driven companies enhance product and service adoption, optimize user experiences, and strengthen decision-making frameworks. Through data-driven insights and proven implementation strategies, Kei ensures that innovations are not only designed for impact but also successfully integrated into complex systems.

With experience spanning global markets and cross-functional leadership, Kei is well-equipped to navigate regulatory landscapes, industry-specific constraints, and organizational challenges. Whether partnering with companies advancing healthcare, tech integration, or enterprise solutions, Kei brings a strategic, systems-informed approach to behavior change, adoption, and implementation, ensuring solutions are scalable, sustainable, and tailored for real-world success.

Achievements

Certified Individual Member of the GAABS (Global Association of Applied Behavioural Scientists)

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Melissa Bell

Training Coordinator

Phone Number: (234) 109-6666 

The rhythm behind every rollout.

Meet Our Training Coordinator

Melissa makes sure every training runs smoothly—from schedules to resources to that “we’ve got this” confidence you feel walking into a session. She’s the steady hand behind the details that make learning effortless.

Melissa brings over 30 years of expertise in customer engagement, with a career foundation shaped by her early experience as a cast member at Walt Disney World. She has since built a distinguished track record in medical sales and marketing, refining her skills in delivering exceptional customer experiences and demonstrating a remarkable ability to adapt and thrive in dynamic environments.

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Stephanie Klein

Associate Facilitator

Phone Number: (234) 109-6666 

Energy meets empathy.

Meet Our Associate Facilitator

Stephanie lights up a room and helps you tap into your best self. She brings the spark you didn’t know you needed—and helps you put it to work.

Stephanie Klein is an innovative leadership consultant, known for her expertise in transforming complex ideas from managers into simple, actionable solutions for Small and Medium Size businesses. With a focus on leadership and team building, Stephanie is dedicated to making team building engaging and enjoyable. 

Stephanie’s professional journey includes time at Duke University and NC State University, where she provided leadership and team building experiences to students, staff, and faculty. Her work at these universities not only honed her skills on customizing solutions for teams but also highlighted her ability to inspire and guide diverse groups towards common goals.

With a Master’s degree in Leadership and Counseling, Stephanie combines academic rigor with practical insights to deliver exceptional results for her clients. Her educational background provides a strong foundation for her consultative approach, allowing her to address the unique challenges faced by organizations in today’s fast-paced environment.

Whether working with small teams of 10 or larger teams up to 250, Stephanie Klein’s commitment to turning complex challenges into simple, effective strategies sets her apart, ensuring that every organization she works with thrives and succeeds.